Ooh I've been bad this week! Not much of anything written. The first week of no employment I had all the time in the world. This week however, the hours are flying by. The pace must slow down!
In good news, I found out that I got into Penn for a Masters in Urban Planning. My parents want me to go straight there. Oh parents. I'm waiting to hear from lots of other places though. I won't make my sentiments public here in case any admissions folks are readers of my blog. Let's just say I want to go everywhere. That works.
Tonight I will attempt to make an artichoke. I'm sure I can steam it but that's a bit boring. Maybe I can do something a bit fancier. I remember I used to have these fried artichoke hearts from this Italian place by me in Bryn Mawr. Oh super duper yum. I don't think I can do that. Maybe... but... no. I'm not attempting it.
Don't artichokes and asparagus remind you of a really fat man who's married to a skinny woman? Maybe it's just me.
In other fabulous news, I've applied for a job at Amoeba to tie me over until I have to go back to school. Of course, this job is next to impossible to get, even though it's just being a record store clerk, but I can still hope. I'm already in there three times a week, they may as well pay me for it.
Finally, did anyone see Bobby Jindal the other day? Perhaps you saw some talk about how people think he sounds like Kenneth the Page. The funny thing is that while I was watching I said that. So all these random blog postings about it can very well be independent decisions. Perhaps that's all because it's true. Jindal sounds exactly like the page. You know what else is funny? I know a guy named Kenneth who used to be an NBC page.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
MUSIC MONDAYS: MINT CONDITION
As I've mentioned in past posts, I have spent a good chunk of time searching for deals at the Circuit City liquidations. I found a gem here or there but mostly held myself back. But in the case of one CD, I finally fell today.
For those who know, which is probably only three or four random people who happened to have been with me when the song came on, Mint Condition's "Breakin My Heart" aka "Pretty Brown Eyes" is an all-time jam of mine. This is just one of those songs that despite modern R&B's shortcomings, works shockingly well, even today. So when I saw the Mint Condition Collection a few weeks back at Circuit City, I was really tempted to buy it. Even though I am mostly opposed to Greatest Hits collections, the thought of having "Pretty Brown Eyes" at my fingertips at all times tempted me. It sort of defeats the purpose though, since this is THE JAM that I hope to hear whenever I randomly listen to urban radio 90's throwback blocks. Anyway, I decided against buying the CD. At the time, Circuit City's CD's were a mere 25% off, so it seemed like a sensible decision. Maybe it would still be there when I returned for a higher discount.
Well last week, I came back and in my browsing found The Collection again. By now the prices were 40% off. Much better. Yet I searched deep within my loins and reigned in my compulsion again!
Today I returned. I wasn't planning on going back, but I passed by the store. How can I pass by the store and not even go in? Especially since the CDs are now 50% off!? So I walked to the music section and the place was nearly empty. They still had a few CDs here and there but probably about 30% of what they had just last week. I browse and what do I find in a stack on the ground? Yep, the Mint Condition Collection. I had to get it. It was a sign I say! A sign. I waited in a long chaotic line. A weird lanky white dude asked me if the thing he was holding in his hand was a router. It looked like a wired router, but I don't know. Definitely not wireless. I told him that. He said he wanted a wired router. Whatever that means. He ended up getting mad at leaving the store. Oh well..
As for me, I bought the damn thing! So for 7 dollars, I now have the ultimate in awesomeness. The collection also comes with a remix of "Pretty Brown Eyes," plus a bunch of other sold Modern R&B bangas! Oh man. Mint Condition here I come!
Still don't know the song? Have a listen
AND THE VIDEO
Pure gold.
For those who know, which is probably only three or four random people who happened to have been with me when the song came on, Mint Condition's "Breakin My Heart" aka "Pretty Brown Eyes" is an all-time jam of mine. This is just one of those songs that despite modern R&B's shortcomings, works shockingly well, even today. So when I saw the Mint Condition Collection a few weeks back at Circuit City, I was really tempted to buy it. Even though I am mostly opposed to Greatest Hits collections, the thought of having "Pretty Brown Eyes" at my fingertips at all times tempted me. It sort of defeats the purpose though, since this is THE JAM that I hope to hear whenever I randomly listen to urban radio 90's throwback blocks. Anyway, I decided against buying the CD. At the time, Circuit City's CD's were a mere 25% off, so it seemed like a sensible decision. Maybe it would still be there when I returned for a higher discount.
Well last week, I came back and in my browsing found The Collection again. By now the prices were 40% off. Much better. Yet I searched deep within my loins and reigned in my compulsion again!
Today I returned. I wasn't planning on going back, but I passed by the store. How can I pass by the store and not even go in? Especially since the CDs are now 50% off!? So I walked to the music section and the place was nearly empty. They still had a few CDs here and there but probably about 30% of what they had just last week. I browse and what do I find in a stack on the ground? Yep, the Mint Condition Collection. I had to get it. It was a sign I say! A sign. I waited in a long chaotic line. A weird lanky white dude asked me if the thing he was holding in his hand was a router. It looked like a wired router, but I don't know. Definitely not wireless. I told him that. He said he wanted a wired router. Whatever that means. He ended up getting mad at leaving the store. Oh well..
As for me, I bought the damn thing! So for 7 dollars, I now have the ultimate in awesomeness. The collection also comes with a remix of "Pretty Brown Eyes," plus a bunch of other sold Modern R&B bangas! Oh man. Mint Condition here I come!
Still don't know the song? Have a listen
AND THE VIDEO
Pure gold.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS: CIRCUIT CITY DAY
I can't stop going to Circuit City's in the LA area. In case you're just getting back from a deserted island off the coast of Guam, Circuit City is going out of business. I went to a few stores the other day when CD's, DVD's and games were 40% off. Well today they're 50% off! I didn't buy much at all. Mainly because 50% off Circuit City's inflated prices are about .50 cheaper than Amazon. Seriously, Lost Season 4 Blu-Ray retails for 100 bucks there (compared to $49.00 on Amazon).
If you search hard enough though, you can find some gems though. It's perfect for window shoppers who like to find cheap diamonds in a stack of Elliot Yamin X-mas CD's. As long as we're on the topic, I've never heard Elliot Yamin's music. But every time I see his name and face, I think he should get some street cred by changing his name to "Elliot N'ya mean?" (In case you don't get my urban shorthand, this is slang for Do You Know What I Mean?) Okay, tangent over.
I think the only Circuit City I still need to visit is the one in Burbank. I may wait a week until it's 80% off and buy some Skynyrd compilations. Nothing like spending two dollars on Confederate Flag waving rockers.
All this Circuit City liquidation business has made it very clear that Best Buy is way better. I always knew Best Buy was a better store, even if it's one of the devils that has ruined the music industry. But seeing Circuit City after Circuit City crumbling to the ground really underscores that point.
If you're trying to get an LCD TV for free though, I should warn you that they're only 30% off. I imagine they'll start selling them on eBay before they raise the discount to anything over 50%.
But seriously... if you need cables, blank CD's, or anything miscellaneous like that, just go already!
If you search hard enough though, you can find some gems though. It's perfect for window shoppers who like to find cheap diamonds in a stack of Elliot Yamin X-mas CD's. As long as we're on the topic, I've never heard Elliot Yamin's music. But every time I see his name and face, I think he should get some street cred by changing his name to "Elliot N'ya mean?" (In case you don't get my urban shorthand, this is slang for Do You Know What I Mean?) Okay, tangent over.
I think the only Circuit City I still need to visit is the one in Burbank. I may wait a week until it's 80% off and buy some Skynyrd compilations. Nothing like spending two dollars on Confederate Flag waving rockers.
All this Circuit City liquidation business has made it very clear that Best Buy is way better. I always knew Best Buy was a better store, even if it's one of the devils that has ruined the music industry. But seeing Circuit City after Circuit City crumbling to the ground really underscores that point.
If you're trying to get an LCD TV for free though, I should warn you that they're only 30% off. I imagine they'll start selling them on eBay before they raise the discount to anything over 50%.
But seriously... if you need cables, blank CD's, or anything miscellaneous like that, just go already!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
WAGONWHEEL WEDNESDAYS: SPECIAL TREAT
This past Sunday I went to Joshua Tree National Park and finally had a chance to really explore the place. As you may recall from my Southern California post, I couldn't see much of the park last time because of a missing kid. Then when I did get out, I was attacked by bees. This time however, Jen and I got to hike around and see most of the park! It's stunning if you haven't been. Not just joshua trees. Lots and huge ass rocks too!
At the park I bought a DVD that showcases almost all of the National Parks (55 to be exact... Three parks were established after the DVD was made). This inspired me to look at a map of the country and circle all the National Parks, National Monuments, National Historic Parks, etc that I have visited. I'm sure I missed a few but it's a pretty complete list. I'm now going through each park on the DVD and making a list of the next few I want to visit. Since some of these parks are as far away as American Samoa I don't know how soon I'll be adding some of these stamps to my National Parks Passport. As you can see from this chart, I haven't been to many of the Island parks. Channel Islands is about it. But no American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Dry Tortugas, or Isle Royale.
If you've been to any National Parks that I haven't circled, let me know! I want to hear all about what they're like.
Also, if anyone ever wants to play some National Park Monopoly, come on over! I have it!
At the park I bought a DVD that showcases almost all of the National Parks (55 to be exact... Three parks were established after the DVD was made). This inspired me to look at a map of the country and circle all the National Parks, National Monuments, National Historic Parks, etc that I have visited. I'm sure I missed a few but it's a pretty complete list. I'm now going through each park on the DVD and making a list of the next few I want to visit. Since some of these parks are as far away as American Samoa I don't know how soon I'll be adding some of these stamps to my National Parks Passport. As you can see from this chart, I haven't been to many of the Island parks. Channel Islands is about it. But no American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Dry Tortugas, or Isle Royale.
If you've been to any National Parks that I haven't circled, let me know! I want to hear all about what they're like.
Also, if anyone ever wants to play some National Park Monopoly, come on over! I have it!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
TOMATO TUESDAYS
I'm too stressed out by the economy to talk about anything having to do with news. So today I will turn my attention to tomatoes. I know a lot of folks hate tomatoes. Their slimy membranes dripping down your lips and their seeds getting stuck in your teeth. Yum. I personally think they're great. I prefer them cooked but raw's good too. Now, I don't really care for them on sandwiches. Sundried tomatoes are good on a slab of ciabatta bread but a regular old white bread and tomato sandwich is nasty. But maybe that's the white bread.
You often hear that the tomato is not a vegetable but a fruit. I think that's a load of shit. It's both. It is the fruit of a plant and it does have seeds and all that but its purpose on a plate is strictly vegetable. Just like a duck is a bird but it's not quite "white" meat, the tomato swings both ways.
There are many types of tomatoes and this is by no means a fully comprehensive guide, but I hope it'll help somewhat in your tomato decision making.
ROMA TOMATO
It's my understanding that the Roma tomato is a form of plum tomato. This is a good tomato for tomato sauce and salsa. It's a flexible tomato. I'm not sure how it's grown or anything like that. But in the realm of tomatoes, it's a solid player.
BEEFSTEAK TOMATO
This is the ultimate sandwich tomato. It's big and like the name says beefy. I think the Hothouse tomato is similar. But I could be making that up.
GRAPE TOMATO
These are little tomatoes that are shaped like grapes. They're usually sweet as well.
CHERRY TOMATO
This is also a small tomato. Unlike the grape tomato, it's round and plump like a cherry.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO
I love eating heirloom tomatoes at restaurants but I never buy them. The ones in the stores always look filthy. They're splotchy and covered in dirt and soil. No thanks. If you can brave the cleaning process though, the heirloom is a tomato treasure. Rich in flavor, yet bold in texture, the heirloom is the jewel of the tomato tree.
TOMATOES ON THE VINE
Another self-explanatory tomato. These are my favorite because they feel the most natural. They can still be covered in pesticides, but something about that vine makes me hope for the best. I think I buy these the most as they seem versatile enough for whatever I'm cooking. The cooking experts may disagree, but I use them in anything I want.
In case you want know about more tomatoes, check this out.
You often hear that the tomato is not a vegetable but a fruit. I think that's a load of shit. It's both. It is the fruit of a plant and it does have seeds and all that but its purpose on a plate is strictly vegetable. Just like a duck is a bird but it's not quite "white" meat, the tomato swings both ways.
There are many types of tomatoes and this is by no means a fully comprehensive guide, but I hope it'll help somewhat in your tomato decision making.
ROMA TOMATO
It's my understanding that the Roma tomato is a form of plum tomato. This is a good tomato for tomato sauce and salsa. It's a flexible tomato. I'm not sure how it's grown or anything like that. But in the realm of tomatoes, it's a solid player.
BEEFSTEAK TOMATO
This is the ultimate sandwich tomato. It's big and like the name says beefy. I think the Hothouse tomato is similar. But I could be making that up.
GRAPE TOMATO
These are little tomatoes that are shaped like grapes. They're usually sweet as well.
CHERRY TOMATO
This is also a small tomato. Unlike the grape tomato, it's round and plump like a cherry.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO
I love eating heirloom tomatoes at restaurants but I never buy them. The ones in the stores always look filthy. They're splotchy and covered in dirt and soil. No thanks. If you can brave the cleaning process though, the heirloom is a tomato treasure. Rich in flavor, yet bold in texture, the heirloom is the jewel of the tomato tree.
TOMATOES ON THE VINE
Another self-explanatory tomato. These are my favorite because they feel the most natural. They can still be covered in pesticides, but something about that vine makes me hope for the best. I think I buy these the most as they seem versatile enough for whatever I'm cooking. The cooking experts may disagree, but I use them in anything I want.
In case you want know about more tomatoes, check this out.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS: RAT BUTTER AND TONS OF BABIES
I'm really horrified right now.
It started when I went to CNN.com and read that this peanut butter salmonella outbreak was because of dead rodents in the ventilation system! And rodent shit! Pleeease. I already knew about rodents' love of peanut butter after a Trivial Pursuit question taught me that the FDA allows a handful of rat hairs in every vat of peanut butter. For those that know Alex, you know how much I love peanut butter. Peanut butter on my icecream, spoons of peanut butter, even peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. But I may need to take a break... Oh it's making my intestines do things that intestines should never do...
...So I'm already feeling a little bit sick. And then I see this: AHHHHHHHHH
Look at those veins! I wonder what folks thought when they saw her in the mall. Did anyone with baby knowledge say, "By George! That woman is gonna have 8 babies!" Maybe some people assumed that she was just carrying the world's biggest baby. I hope at this point her doctors have learned their lesson. Because this woman is sick enough to start having more kids. I love the rumors that she is actually obsessed with Angelina Jolie and that's why she's having all the kids. Makes sense to me.
Sigh. I need to practice my excel skills now because I have an interview at a temp agency tomorrow. I'll also be doing a WPM typing test! I should practice some of the free ones online. I'm a fast typer but under pressure, it may be like peeing in urinals. I have to wear a suit too. I don't know if I can type in a suit... I'll let you know how it goes.
It started when I went to CNN.com and read that this peanut butter salmonella outbreak was because of dead rodents in the ventilation system! And rodent shit! Pleeease. I already knew about rodents' love of peanut butter after a Trivial Pursuit question taught me that the FDA allows a handful of rat hairs in every vat of peanut butter. For those that know Alex, you know how much I love peanut butter. Peanut butter on my icecream, spoons of peanut butter, even peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. But I may need to take a break... Oh it's making my intestines do things that intestines should never do...
...So I'm already feeling a little bit sick. And then I see this: AHHHHHHHHH
Look at those veins! I wonder what folks thought when they saw her in the mall. Did anyone with baby knowledge say, "By George! That woman is gonna have 8 babies!" Maybe some people assumed that she was just carrying the world's biggest baby. I hope at this point her doctors have learned their lesson. Because this woman is sick enough to start having more kids. I love the rumors that she is actually obsessed with Angelina Jolie and that's why she's having all the kids. Makes sense to me.
Sigh. I need to practice my excel skills now because I have an interview at a temp agency tomorrow. I'll also be doing a WPM typing test! I should practice some of the free ones online. I'm a fast typer but under pressure, it may be like peeing in urinals. I have to wear a suit too. I don't know if I can type in a suit... I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
TOPICAL TUESDAYS
Well good lord, it's been awhile. I've been leaving my job (although I'll be working there again today and tomorrow, so it's not really "leaving") and spending the past several days training my replacement. Now that I won't have a steady source of income or any real idea of what I'll be working on when, it's absolutely pressing that I make a schedule. There are too many things that need to be done now that I have actual time! I'm not sure the best way to go about doing a schedule that'll stick. I hear great things about Google Calendar but I can never seem to find the tab through my Gmail to make it sync. The iPhone calendar is another option but so time consuming. Hmmm. I bet if I use the Mac computer I can sync to my iPhone. Oh I bet I can! That'll probably be the best option.
Here's a sample schedule for Thursday
8:30AM- Wake up and write scripts
10:45AM- Leave for the doctor
11:30AM- Go to doctor
12:30PM- Eat lunch/drive home
1:30PM- Browse the internet
2:00PM- Look for part-time jobs, call temp agencies, etc
2:30PM- Go to gym
3:15PM- Begin preparing traditional Bolognese sauce (should take about 5 hours)
4:00PM- Work on children's book.
5:00PM- Browse the internet
5:30PM- Blog
6:00PM- Review albums
As you can see, I'm planning to do a lot of different types of writing. I already write scripts that have gone nowhere. But with children's books, I dream of empires, maybe even a themepark based on my characters. In addition to all that, I've begun writing a local music blog (my first published review is here: http://www.theredalert.com/reviews/coconutrecords.php ) Yee-haw!
I'll keep you updated with reviews. Soon I'll also be posting sections of the children's book on Friendly Fridays. Eventually the plan is get a full blog/website just for that book. But good to give a sneak peek to my loyal fans.
Tomorrow, the Wagonwheel will roll again!
Here's a sample schedule for Thursday
8:30AM- Wake up and write scripts
10:45AM- Leave for the doctor
11:30AM- Go to doctor
12:30PM- Eat lunch/drive home
1:30PM- Browse the internet
2:00PM- Look for part-time jobs, call temp agencies, etc
2:30PM- Go to gym
3:15PM- Begin preparing traditional Bolognese sauce (should take about 5 hours)
4:00PM- Work on children's book.
5:00PM- Browse the internet
5:30PM- Blog
6:00PM- Review albums
As you can see, I'm planning to do a lot of different types of writing. I already write scripts that have gone nowhere. But with children's books, I dream of empires, maybe even a themepark based on my characters. In addition to all that, I've begun writing a local music blog (my first published review is here: http://www.theredalert.com/reviews/coconutrecords.php ) Yee-haw!
I'll keep you updated with reviews. Soon I'll also be posting sections of the children's book on Friendly Fridays. Eventually the plan is get a full blog/website just for that book. But good to give a sneak peek to my loyal fans.
Tomorrow, the Wagonwheel will roll again!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
WAGONWHEEL WEDNESDAYS: WILL RETURN
Hey folks... I'm currently leaving a job and trying to make sure I don't leave all my personal belongings in the fridge. This blog will hopefully resume tomorrow... If not, it'll resume from my house when I'm unemployed
Monday, February 2, 2009
MUSIC MONDAYS: TO EAT OR HEAR?
You get lots of hypothetical questions that ask people to choose between sound and sight. But what about sound and taste? That's too difficult to answer fully. No more Miles Davis or no more Kobe sliders? Impossible! But as I've come to realize, it's not so hard to cut some dollars off my daily lunches so I can support my music buying habit. No reason I shouldn't be able to eat AND hear.
Last night I almost won a 9 disc Mini-LP King Crimson set. I got out bid with 6 seconds left. The rush of coming that close was exhilarating. I don't even care that I lost. I'm sort of happy that I lost but came so close. I'm an addict. That's what it comes down to. In the 45 seconds that I led (and the forty minute beforehand where I decided I'd bid), I calculated that if I had $5 lunches instead of $10 lunches for two months, I'd pay off the set. Not bad. Now if I could cut down to $2 lunches, I can buy even more stuff.
I've actually found quite a few places to get lunch for under 10 dollars. It's easy to forget when you spend $25 one day on sushi or $15 on a salad, but even in LA, deals exist. These deals- Like California Sushi and Teriyaki's amazing $3.95 lunch special- have allowed me to continue buying music without breaking the bank. Another way to save music money is to never get an actual drink. Just say "a cup for water." If you're a thief, you can easily sneak in some soda. I keep it pure though.
... As long as we're on the topic of economical music, let me let you into a little secret: the dollar's doing a lot better these days. Either that or the pound is sinking. Go to Amazon UK now! The deals are tremendous.
Last night I almost won a 9 disc Mini-LP King Crimson set. I got out bid with 6 seconds left. The rush of coming that close was exhilarating. I don't even care that I lost. I'm sort of happy that I lost but came so close. I'm an addict. That's what it comes down to. In the 45 seconds that I led (and the forty minute beforehand where I decided I'd bid), I calculated that if I had $5 lunches instead of $10 lunches for two months, I'd pay off the set. Not bad. Now if I could cut down to $2 lunches, I can buy even more stuff.
I've actually found quite a few places to get lunch for under 10 dollars. It's easy to forget when you spend $25 one day on sushi or $15 on a salad, but even in LA, deals exist. These deals- Like California Sushi and Teriyaki's amazing $3.95 lunch special- have allowed me to continue buying music without breaking the bank. Another way to save music money is to never get an actual drink. Just say "a cup for water." If you're a thief, you can easily sneak in some soda. I keep it pure though.
... As long as we're on the topic of economical music, let me let you into a little secret: the dollar's doing a lot better these days. Either that or the pound is sinking. Go to Amazon UK now! The deals are tremendous.
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